- Race
- Gender
- Sexual orientation
- Age
- Disability
Women may also be discriminated against if they are pregnant or if they want to take maternity leave following pregnancy. This discrimination can even extend to men who want to take extended leave to spend time with their newborn children.
However, discrimination based on any of the above factors is illegal in many areas of the USA, especially if you work in the public sector. A skilled employment lawyer such as James Shoemaker can help you navigate your workplace discrimination case.
What Constitutes Employment Discrimination?
Employment discrimination and workplace discrimination are two separate things, although they are both indicative of the same kind of problem in the workforce. The difference is as follows:
- Employment Discrimination: This type of discrimination occurs during the hiring stage, and is when someone is denied a job they are otherwise qualified for solely on the basis of race, gender, disability, or any other protected minority categorization.
- Workplace Discrimination: This occurs in the workplace, and is when an employee is denied certain perks or benefits such as raises or promotions based on their minority status.
If you have been discriminated against due to identity factors beyond your control, know that you have legal options. Rather than giving up, look into the options available to you to fight back against discrimination.
Sexual and Racial Harassment
Along with the legal right not to be discriminated against, the law also provides protection against harassment based on gender or race. Harassment is not limited to “quid pro quo,” in which someone is directly attacked either verbally or physically. Sexual and racial harassment can also come in the form of a hostile work environment, in which degrading or explicit jokes, racist jokes, racist symbols, or sexual advances are common and tolerated by the company as a whole, rather than being perpetrated by a single individual.
Learn More About Your Legal Options Against Discrimination
James Shoemaker has many years of experience dealing with workplace discrimination and harassment cases, and is well versed in navigating local and federal laws. Schedule a consultation with Mr. Shoemaker by calling 757-223-4560 today. He serves clients both in Virginia and across the country.Â